More than margaritas: The history and spread of Cinco de Mayo in the US

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May 5, 2024

Cinco de Mayo, which commemorates the Mexican victory over French invaders at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, has become a major holiday... in the United States. Find out why. (Nipyata/Unsplash)

The date is May 5th, 1862. The battleground: Puebla, Mexico. Two armies face off. Hailing from overseas, the French, with powerful military capabilities, against the outnumbered resident underdogs — the Mexicans.

Sent by French Emperor Napoleon III, the French troops are here to collect a debt — by taking Mexico as a colony. Mexico’s president, Benito Juarez, has suspended all payments to foreign countries, leaving accounts with France in the red. The two-year freeze is a measure to alleviate the financial strain faced by Mexico due to the country’s ongoing civil “Reform” War being fought between liberal and conservative factions within the country. It is also a move meant to stabilize the country and increase Mexican sovereignty by reducing the foreign intervention of European creditors who had lent Mexico money.

An unlikely victory

The Battle of Puebla was a shock, but decisive victory for the Mexican government against the French troops of Emperor Napoleon III. (Gob. de México)

The battle lasts all of three hours. When the smoke clears, the unlikely winners emerge. The French have surrendered and are routed after suffering casualties of nearly 500 men. The victorious Mexican underdogs, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza, have lost less than 100.

The Mexicans have won this battle, but will ultimately lose the war. One year later in 1863, the French would return and recapture Mexico, with their reign lasting for several years. But for this Cinco de Mayo battle, the Mexicans are victorious.

Fast forward to today. Somehow victory at Puebla, which had meant relatively little in the grand scheme of Mexico’s turbulent history, has become a nation-wide celebration… in a foreign country.

An American celebration

North of the border, on May 5 of each year, festivities in the United States celebrating Cinco de Mayo commence, drawing partygoers of all backgrounds into celebrations filled with guacamole, tacos, sombreros, mariachi music and endless margaritas. Mexican restaurants throughout the country find themselves packed with revelers taking part in city-wide celebrations, parades, festivals and events in over 500 US cities.

For many Americans, Cinco de Mayo is a time for margaritas, tacos and guacamole. (Hybrid Storytellers/Unsplash)

So how did this minor battle victory become such a nationwide Mexican celebration… outside of Mexico?

Historical significance and symbolism

The victory became symbolic for U.S.-based Latinos, with obvious parallels to the Civil War, the Chicano movement and a broader push toward democracy and against oppression.

In 1862, the United States was facing its own internal Civil War. The defeat of the French on Cinco de Mayo was a blow to the Confederates, who had counted on their French ally’s support from neighboring Mexico.

Instead, leveraging the unforeseen defeat of the French, Mexicans in the western United States used the victory to rally together to support the Union army and Mexico’s efforts to battle continued French invasion. The community — uniting under both Mexican and U.S. flags — formed “juntas patrióticas mexicanas” (patriotic Mexican groups), which provided financial and political support, along with army recruits for the two causes. The juntas continued to support Mexican immigrants and Latino communities in the United States following the Civil War.

The 1862 battle gained symbolic prominence among Latin-American communities over the years in their struggles against racism and inequality. During the 1960s and 1970s Chicano Movement — during which Latino communities fought against discrimination and for equal rights — activists evoked the victorious Cinco de Mayo battle as a metaphor for overcoming white oppression.

Cultural identity and commercialization

The meaning of the Cinco de Mayo Battle of Puebla has continued to evolve among Latino communities in the United States as a proud celebration of Mexican cultural heritage and history. More recently it appears that the day has become incorrectly known by many in the States as Mexico’s Independence Day (actually the 16th of September) — a day in which the people of Mexico began a lengthy revolt against Spanish rule in 1810, under the leadership of Mexican priest Miguel Hidalgo.

Since the 1980’s, the holiday has also been leveraged commercially by businesses and brands, nurtured strategically in part by alcohol companies implementing Cinco de Mayo marketing campaigns and limited edition products around the holiday. Mexican restaurants partake in the celebratory atmosphere often hosting Cinco de Mayo events offering Mexican-themed music, cocktails and foods.

Preservation, tradition and recognition

In Puebla, the location of the original Cinco de Mayo victory, events commemorating the battle take place. But ultimately, the widest expressions of this holiday are owned by proud Latino communities in the U.S., celebrating their rich cultural heritage, the achievements of Latinos, and the interconnectedness of Mexican and United States history.

Cinco de Mayo celebrations Puebla — The people of Puebla still commemorate victory over the French – though the holiday pales in comparison with the party atmosphere of the United States. (Hilda Ríos/Cuartoscuro)

For an authentic flair during the holiday, indulge in some local fare from Puebla, including mole poblano and pulque, a traditional Mexican alcoholic beverage made from the fermented sap of the agave plant.

What are your favorite ways to celebrate Cinco de Mayo?

Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at https://medium.com/@monicabelot.

Will the Maya Train preserve or destroy the Indigenous way of life?

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Henrietta Weekes

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May 4, 2024

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Protesta Día del Agua Quintana Roo-4 — The Maya Train promises to bring prosperity to a deprived region of Mexico - but the Indigenous population is not happy with what they see as the destruction of their ancestral lands. (Elizabeth Ruiz/Cuartoscuro)

With ramifications that ripple through the entire country and across the world, one story that has come out of Mexico in the past years has gripped the global media: the Maya Train. One of the most expensive and ambitious infrastructure projects in Mexican history, the biodiesel-powered tourist and freight train has begun to snake its way around the Yucatán peninsula, connecting locations in Tabasco, Campeche, Yucatán, Quintana Roo and Chiapas, allowing people to visit the ancient archaeological sites, colonial cities and cenotes of southeastern Mexico.

Arguably the public works piece de resistance of Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidency, the president, a Tabasco native, has maintained his line on the project since construction began in 2019: “Both the construction and operation of the Maya Train railroad will help generate economic prosperity and well-being in the five states through which it runs.”

Heavy machinery clears a section of jungle to make way for the Maya Train. — Heavy machinery clears a section of the jungle to make way for the Maya Train. The project has been repeatedly criticized for the environmental damage it has caused. (Greenpeace/Paola Chiomante)

Documentarians set out to record the Maya Train and the environmental damage

Might the Maya Train be ruining the lands of the modern Maya? This is the argument of “El Tren y La Peninsula,” a 2023 documentary that depicts the dispossession of the descendants of the peninsula’s ancient civilizations. The documentary is available free on Mirada Natava and will debut on Mexico’s Canal 11 this summer.

“We set out to investigate the unknowns of this mega project, in the midst of the pandemic and ended up with what is now being called a historical document,” explains Sky Richards, who co-directed the film with Andreas Kruger. “Our agenda was to have no agenda, to be truly transparent with what we experienced.”

El Tren Y La Península [Doc Trailer]

Watch this video on YouTube

Their ode to nature and the Maya legacy, is a beautifully shot and intimate portrait of a way of life. But it omits what Richards says he observed: people who have little autonomy or land rights, displaced between ancient and modern forms of development. Sky found a people confronted with a generational curiosity for globalization, caught between the perks of its trajectory replacing their way of life. He continued, “Most of the images in the film no longer resemble the current landscape. The train’s construction has changed everything for miles around the track, basically overnight.”

Revolution and collapse

This area will not let us forget that social injustice leads to upheaval. The late 19th/early 20th century Caste War of Yucatán was a precursor to the Mexican Revolution — an uprising famously fought on trains. The Caste war is now known as the Maya Uprising, according to documentarian Richards and in this fight too, the peasantry resorted to using trains to combat other trains.

But misery was definitively visited upon the modern Maya by another maritime disruption; World War II. The industrial pressures put on tire production which required rubber trees, parachutes made of silk and marine ropes made out of natural fibers from Mexico, forced the invention of cheaper synthetic fibers. Nylon gave the coup de grâce to the thriving monopoly on fibers produced in the Yucatan. These fibers were traditionally manufactured from a prehistoric looking cousin of maguey and agave, henequen, which was transported from the plantations to the ports by the original railway systems of the area.

The Yucatán Peninsula is one of the most impoverished areas in the Americas. The scarce job opportunities available are for the most part menial jobs in the coastal tourist industry, and the Maya have all but abandoned their crafts and agriculture since they have ceased to be financially viable. For survival, they have sold off their land for pennies and have walked right into the factories on Mexico’s northern border.

The peninsula’s hidden Maya cities themselves may also represent an environmental cautionary tale. One of the most solid theses that attempt to explain the mysterious decline of the Classic Maya civilization points precisely to a man-made ecological catastrophe: the over-exploitation of natural resources to feed the golden age of Maya civilization.

Will the Maya Train offer salvation for Indigenous communities?

Could the train offer access to more viable and dignified local employment? The United Nations Human Settlements Program projects the positive figures of one million more jobs by 2030 and double the economic growth in local townships where the train passes through by that year — which could far surpass the economic growth of the industrial north. In late 2022, the National Tourism Fund (Fonatur) reported that the train had already created more than 140,000 jobs in southeastern Mexico — making it the top job creator in the region — and could create another 715,000 by 2030.

Previously inaccessible treasures of Maya culture will become a viable adventure for national and international travelers, who thus far could only dream of these sacred cities, depicted by only the most daring explorers. The National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) now has not only the means but the incentive to better protect and further explore the ancient Maya world, and has constructed new museums to house the treasures unearthed during development.

Might the resurrection of this railway be a harbinger of prosperity for the region’s Indigenous peoples, who could recover their traditional arts, crafts and world-famous cuisine by catering to new patrons? That could keep the locals from having to sell their lands and migrate north. Agriculture would be re-established, requiring clean sources of water, which might, in turn, cause pressure to mobilize political mechanisms of equitable and sustainable regulations.

In the grand scale of things, throughout ecological apocalypse and social upheaval, Maya peoples have fiercely defended their way of life and their surroundings. The political vitality of Mexico and the world’s increasing fascination with the Yucatán Peninsula and the Maya Train may prove auspicious for the peninsula’s Indigenous peoples yet.

Henrietta Weekes is a writer, editor, actor and narrator. She divides her time between San Miguel de Allende, New York and Oxford, UK.

5 places to visit in Mexico if you like nature, adventure and fewer crowds

By

Travis Bembenek

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May 4, 2024

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Waterfall in the Huasteca Potosina — The Puente de Dios waterfall is one of the many stunning spots in the Huasteca Potosina - a destination Mexico News Daily CEO Travis Bembenek includes on his list of favorites. (Shutterstock)

I am often asked about my favorite places to travel.

I think that, in general, a very good destination with fewer tourists is much better to visit than a “great spot” mobbed by people taking selfies.

I might sound a bit dated in saying this, but travel in the social media era baffles me. I am often astonished at people who seem to care more about their selfie than actually looking at and enjoying the place they are visiting. So many times, I’ve seen people spend significant time and energy trying to get the perfect photo (with themselves in it), and then simply move on to the next selfie spot.

I also have noticed over the years, and increasingly so, that many beautiful spots around the globe are getting a lot more crowded than they used to be. It might still be the post-pandemic travel bounce, or increased accessibility of travel, but it feels like something more than that. These really photogenic places around the globe are shared on social media so voraciously — of course, with absolutely perfect photos — that they’re now crowded with tourists looking to replicate those photos for their own social media accounts.

Part of what makes Mexico so special to me is that you can still find unbelievable places that are unspoiled, beautiful and uncrowded. Of course, they are getting discovered too and receiving more tourists, but they are still years behind the huge crowds of many other tourist hotspots.

With that in mind, I am sharing here five special places in Mexico for anyone looking for nature, adventure and fewer people. It’s still a good idea to follow some tips to avoid crowds even in these less discovered locations.

These destinations most certainly aren’t for everyone – perhaps not for most – as they don’t have the same range of accommodations, they aren’t easy to get to and they might entail some decidedly “unglamorous” moments.

My intention here is of course not to increase mass tourism to these destinations, but rather inspire the truly adventurous out there to add these locations to their bucket lists.

Huasteca Potosina, San Luis Potosí

Never in my life had I stayed in one hotel for 7 consecutive nights until we did here. Seven days straight of pure, unspoiled, uncrowded nature.

Waterfalls, thermal pools, stand-up paddleboarding in a jungle river, whitewater rafting, canoeing, ziplining, waterfall jumping, birdwatching, seeing pumas and jaguars in their natural habitat, I could go on and on.

It’s not fancy, it can be swelteringly hot, but this part of Mexico is a guaranteed awesome natural adventure.

Grutas de Tolantongo, Hidalgo

Imagine over 80 natural hot spring pools in the mountains, each with different temperatures, each with an amazing view, each of which can be enjoyed during the day or under the stars.

Hot spring at Grutas de Tolantongo. — A hot spring at Grutas de Tolantongo, in the state of Hidalgo. (Archive)

An underground spring of hot water feeds this incredible cave and river system. The hotels are 2 stars at best, the food is 1 star at best, but the spot is absolutely epic!

Isla Holbox, Quintana Roo

A 2-3 hour drive from Cancún, Playa del Carmen or Tulum and then a ferry ride out to the island means Isla Holbox is not easy to get to, but it’s worth the effort.

All vehicles on the island are golf carts or smaller. The island is growing fast, but it still has a pace no longer found in most places on the planet.

Strolling in the crystal-clear water on the sandbar that goes on for miles into the ocean is the main activity. It’s a surreal experience to walk so far out into the ocean in ankle- to-knee-deep water — spotting fish, sting-rays, flamingos and more.

Bacalar, Quintana Roo

A 2.5 hour drive south of Tulum, and soon with its own Maya Train stop, Bacalar is increasingly getting discovered and touted as the “Maldives of Mexico.”

Bacalar is actually a large lake that is also known as “the lagoon of 7 colors.”

Lake Bacalar in southern Quintana Roo. (Gobierno de México)

The water color is stunning, the nature activities amazing, and it’s just now getting discovered. Truly a beautiful and relaxing place to visit.

Puerto Escondido-Mazunte, Oaxaca

This stretch of about 70 kilometers of coastline is still truly wild and undiscovered compared to many beach areas in Mexico.

On these beaches I have been within a few meters of pods of whales, seen thousands of dolphins, taken a small river boat next to giant crocodiles, sat next to hundreds of sea turtles laying eggs, kayaked at dawn with thousands of birds, and released baby sea turtles at sunset.

Every day, people gather at Punta Cometa, Mazunte, to watch the sunset. (Tomás Acosta/Cuartoscuro)

Each and every one of these wildlife events was truly special and among the top nature experiences I have had in my life. Oaxaca sunsets are stunning, the crashing waves mesmerizing and the beaches are still unspoiled. Throw in the people, the food and the culture, and you have an unbeatable experience.

If you love nature and have a sense of adventure, you can count on enjoying these recommendations. So forget about that selfie, leave the phone in your backpack and get out and explore this amazing country!

Travis Bembenek is the CEO of Mexico News Daily and has been living, working or playing in Mexico for over 27 years.

When is the best time to visit Mexico City?

By

Monica Belot

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May 4, 2024

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jezael-melgoza-KbR06h9dNQw-unsplash — Unsure when is best to visit Mexico City? Let us help you decide on your next trip to the magical capital. (Jezael Melgoza/Unsplash)

When is the best time to visit Mexico City? The correct answer is any time.

Every season is a good season in Mexico City: the summers are never too hot, and the winters are never too cold. The city is stunning to behold at any moment, and there’s always something to see and do. Nevertheless, there are several pockets of the year where the weather will make you blow a chef’s kiss and hordes of taco-hungry tourists can be avoided.

Angel of independence in Mexico City — A stroll down Reforma Avenue is a pleasure at almost any time of year. (Shutterstock)

Whether you prefer a warm saunter in the sun through the Historic Center, a lush drizzle in Condesa or a chilly stroll along Avenida Masaryk in Polanco, Mexico City offers a range of atmospheric options that cater to anyone’s taste.

Join us as we explore the seasons of Mexico City, identify optimal time ranges, break down the vibe you can expect each month and suggest corresponding events and activities in the city.

When should I visit?

With mild winters and rainy summers, Mexico City boasts a subtropical highland climate, characterized by temperate weather and average temperatures ranging from 14°C in winter to 20°C in summer. Unlike many destinations, extreme weather is a rarity here, with mild winters, warm springs and rainy summers ensuring a comfortable experience for visitors throughout the year.

Most people agree that the best time frame to visit the city is from March to May. This period features beautiful weather, with highs around 34°C (mid to high 93ºFs), dry conditions and moderate temperatures. Though this season can sometimes draw more crowds, the stunning climate makes it worth the visit.

June to August and December to February are the most optimal times for budget breaks. Many of the best hotels in Mexico City offer rates as low as US $90 a night in these months.

Decorations for Independence Day — The Mexican capital is always a riot of color, but Independence Day, celebrated in October, is a special highlight. (Shutterstock)

From June to early September, Mexico City experiences its rainy season, with an average of 20 rainy days per month. Despite the rain, the city’s lush, poetic beauty shines through, with reduced air pollution, less tourist crowding and ample indoor activities available for travelers.

December to April marks the dry season in Mexico City. Smog levels may increase during this time, so travelers with respiratory issues should take precautions, but overall, the weather remains pleasant for exploration.

The summer months, Dia de los Muertos, and Christmas tend to draw the largest crowds to Mexico City. September to November sees the highest tourist traffic, while December to February and June to August are relatively less crowded.

The month-by-month breakdown

Winter

January sets the stage with its dry, mild weather, offering temperatures mostly above 15 degrees Celcius (60 F) during the day. However, nights can get chilly, so it’s wise to layer up: keep in mind that most homes in Mexico City have no central heating. This month kicks off with the lively celebrations of Three Kings’ Day on January 6, marked by vibrant parades and festivities.

Jacaranda trees in Mexico City — February is jacaranda season when Mexico City turns purple with blossom. (Cody Copeland)

As February unfolds, the city begins to transform with the annual blossoming of its iconic purple jacaranda trees. This month also hosts two major art fairs, Zona Maco and Material, drawing art enthusiasts from around the world. Additionally, the fifth day of the month is Constitution Day, celebrated with parades and events throughout the city.

Spring

March brings warmer temperatures and a buzz of cultural activity. Music festivals like Vive Latino and the Festival de México take center stage, offering a diverse array of performances. Notably, the end of March sees the spring equinox celebrated at the majestic pyramids of Teotihuacán, attracting crowds to absorb the energy of this magical event. March is also where you’ll start to see the Jacaranda trees bloom, adding a dimension of purple leafiness to the city.

April heralds beautiful weather and really feels like the arrival of spring. With Holy Week celebrations in full swing, the city comes alive with processions and church-related events. Visitors can also immerse themselves in the exquisite floral displays at the Festival De Flores y Jardines, held at the Botanical Garden at Chapultepec and in neighboring Polanco.

May marks the hottest month of the year in Mexico City. While Cinco de Mayo isn’t a significant event here, the Corredor Cultural Roma Condesa offers curated tours and festivities, showcasing the design, gastronomy, and art of these chic neighborhoods.

Youth getting ready for a Holy Week procession dressed as Roman soldier — A trip to Mexico City during Holy Week provides the opportunity to see the famous passion plays, which reenact the story of Easter. (Graciela Lopez Herrera/Cuartoscuro)

Summer

June ushers in warmer temperatures, accompanied by mild evenings. However, it also means the start of the rainy season, bringing occasional showers. Despite the rain, the city celebrates diversity and inclusion with its vibrant Pride parade, one of the largest in Latin America.

July may be the wettest month, but it doesn’t dampen the spirit of Mexico City. While light showers may grace the mornings and early evenings, the city hosts the Feria de Las Flores in San Angel, a delightful flower festival featuring displays, tours and celebrations.

August brings relief from the smog with occasional showers that cool off the city. Despite the rain, there’s no shortage of indoor activities to enjoy, including the popular Festival Raices Cubanas, a music festival showcasing international artists.

Autumn

September offers pleasant weather as temperatures begin to cool off. The month culminates in Independence Day on the 16, celebrated with military parades, fireworks and the iconic Grito de Dolores, which the President reenacts from the balcony of the National Palace every year.

November brings several major celebrations, but the most famous of all is Day of the Dead. (Cuartoscuro)

October is a festive and bustling time in Mexico City, with celebrations for Día de la Raza and the commencement of Dia de Los Muertos festivities at the end of the month. The month also features the colorful alebrije parade, setting the stage for the upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations.

Winter (again)

November sees the city adorned in festive decorations as Day of the Dead and Revolution Day festivities unfold. Music enthusiasts can enjoy the Corona Capital music festival, while Formula 1 racing adds excitement. While most other publications may contend that the best time to visit is between March and May, I’ll go out on a limb here and say I prefer November for the festivities.

December wraps up the year with a festive ambiance and chilly temperatures. Many families often travel out of town for the holidays, and you’ll see restaurants and stores close around the holidays. Visitors can still enjoy Christmas posadas from Dec. 15 to 24, as well as the enchanting holiday lights hung throughout the city. The Zócalo even features an ice skating rink, adding to the seasonal charm.

Mexico City is a year-round destination that offers something for everyone, no matter the time of choice. Whether you’re seeking a budget-friendly escape during the summer rainy season or a chance to immerse yourself in the city’s rich history and traditions, Mexico City welcomes travelers with open arms. Its mild climate, world-class culinary scene and endless array of attractions make it a truly captivating destination — one that beckons to be explored time and time again.

Monica Belot is a writer, researcher, strategist and adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design in New York City, where she teaches in the Strategic Design & Management Program. Splitting her time between NYC and Mexico City, where she resides with her naughty silver labrador puppy Atlas, Monica writes about topics spanning everything from the human experience to travel and design research. Follow her varied scribbles on Medium at https://medium.com/@monicabelot.

Magnificent Mexican memes to make you laugh all the way to Mictlán

By

Sarah DeVries

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May 4, 2024

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Magical Mexian memes — It's time to "reír" with our compendium of magical mexican memes from the last two weeks.

It is time once again, my friends! Here’s this week’s roundup of some of the best, most magical Mexican memes currently making the rounds in Mexico.

Enjoy!

Meme translation: “Me listening to anti-systemic music on my way to my 9-5 salaried job.”

What does it meme? There’s the part of us that wants to rebel, and there’s the part of us that needs to earn money so we can continue to feed, clothe and shelter ourselves.

Mexicans are nothing if not realists, which is why raging against the machine comes pretty far behind other priorities. With wages for most salaried positions quite low compared to ever-increasing living expenses, however, it’s easy to see why people might fantasize about it!

Meme translation: “Dude, just something chill and then we’ll be back by 11:00 p.m. at the latest.”
What does it meme? “We” is a more phonetic spelling of the word güey, which most people – primarily young people and men when they talk informally to each other – use to mean “dude.”

Now, about “algo tranqui”: do not, I repeat, do not trust people when they assure you of this status regarding an outing or party. It’s short for “algo tranquilo” — something chill — and is absolutely not to be believed — which is the joke in the meme above!

So unless you’re willing to risk winding up looking like the animals in the second panel, beware!

Meme translation: “Me waiting for my husband to tell me that we’re millionaires and that this was all a test for me to prove my love to him.”

What does it meme? Most of us marry for love these days, but marrying for money has its obvious merits. And once the honeymoon phase dies down, it’s normal to fantasize about at least a combo of sorts!

Meme translation: “Best-seller. Kid Hamburger. 80-gram hamburger with cheddar cheese.”

“Oh wow, now that interests me!”

What does it meme? This one is a little dark, I’ll admit. I’ll also admit that I couldn’t stop laughing when I saw it!

The above is a depiction of Tlaloc, the Mesoamerican rain god to whom children were routinely sacrificed, the idea being that this helped maintain the natural order. “Kid Hamburger” is as variably interpretable in Spanish as it is in English. Yikes!

Luckily for kids today, we’re way past the time of Tlaloc’s rule.

Meme translation: “So you die, and you make it to Mictlán. Mictlantecuhtli greets you and says: ‘What was that about, man? What do you mean you were praying to an image your conquerors used to indoctrinate you?’”

What does it meme? The above is Mictlantecuhtli, a Mesoamerican god who rules over the dead and the underworld of Mictlán, which you might have an idea of if you’ve ever seem the popular Pixar movie “Coco.”

And if you’ve spent much time with Mexican hippie academic types in the social sciences and humanities, you’ll certainly hear expressions of indignation at the fact that the conquerors of this country managed to get everyone to believe in their religion, instead.

Meme translation: (On sign) “Mexican Food”

(Above text) “I’m really craving a mop.”

What does it meme? First of all, allow me to point out that I am not satisfied with my own translation of “antojitos.” It comes from the root word “antojo,” which means craving. “Snacks” is usually suggested in dictionaries, but they’re more than snacks and often even serve as dinner: empanadas, quesadillas, picadas, tostadas, taquitos fritos… that sort of thing.

It looks like the business in the storefront above changed but, unfortunately, the new tenants forgot to change the sign. And that’s too bad, because I’d be way more excited about some delicious antojitos over cleaning supplies any day!

Meme translation: “Mexican Table of Equivalences for any Foreigner:”

“If someone says this” “This is what it really means.”

“This has no chili peppers” – “It has no chili peppers.”

“Not spicy at all” – “It’s spicy.”

“Not spicy” – “It’s pretty spicy.”

“A little spicy” – “It’s extremely spicy.”

“Super spicy” – “Try at your own risk.”

“Really damn spicy” – “We will not be held responsible if you decide to eat this.”

What does it meme? If you’ve ever fallen for a Mexican telling you that something’s not spicy, you’ll understand the necessity of the above table. (I tried finding the book this is apparently in, by the way, but couldn’t. If y’all know, let us know in the comments!).

Do as you would when proposed with a plan described as “algo tranqui”: proceed with caution!

Sarah DeVries is a writer and translator based in Xalapa, Veracruz. She can be reached through her website, sarahedevries.substack.com.

Jalisco, Michoacán ramp up avocado exports for US Cinco de Mayo

By

MND Staff

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May 3, 2024

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A packing house prepares avocados for export in Peribán, Michoacán. — An incident involving USDA employees on June 14 prompted inspections to be paused in Michoacán. (Juan José Estrada Serafín/Cuartoscuro)

With just days until Cinco de Mayo, avocado producers in the central states of Michoacán and Jalisco have been gearing up to supply the United States with all the avocados they can.

Mexico is the leading exporter of avocados to the U.S., and May 5, alongside Super Bowl Sunday, is one of the peak sales days.

Data suggests that people in the U.S. will consume roughly 130,000 tonnes of avocados during parties and other observances on Cinco de Mayo this Sunday — close to the 138,000 tonnes that were expected to be consumed on Super Bowl Sunday in February, according to several media reports.

Leading up to May 5, shipments of avocado to the U.S. from Michoacán and Jalisco have increased substantially, adding between 24,000 to 32,000 tonnes: 95.8% of that is the fruit itself, 2.9% is guacamole and 1.3% is avocado pulp.

Cinco de Mayo, a holiday without borders

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, when the Mexican Army scored a rare victory over the French on May 5, 1862. At that time, France was beginning a quest to establish an empire in Mexico, and even though the French won most other battles, financial difficulties and pressure from the U.S. led them to withdraw in 1867.

Although it “represents one of the most glorious episodes in our history,” according to the Ministry of Public Education (SEP), Cinco de Mayo does not warrant a day off or a long weekend for workers in Mexico. It is an annual holiday at SEP schools, which this year will be closed on Monday.

Mexico’s main observances of Cinco de Mayo are in schools, where children are taught lessons about the battle and participate in activities around it.

In the United States, however, the holiday is a party-oriented affair, and just about every fiesta includes not only a lot of beer, but also guacamole and/or avocados: on tacos, burritos and tostadas, in pico de gallo and other salsas, and as a garnish to various meat dishes. For many, it is also a celebration of Mexican-American heritage.

This translates to a significant opportunity for Mexico and its 52,000 avocado orchards nationwide that have an export certificate.

Jalisco’s increasing avocado exports

Eleazar Oceguera Aguayo, president of the Association of Avocado Producers and Packers of Jalisco (Apeajal), said that with a 5% increase in that state’s harvest this year, Jalisco’s 1,108 certified orchards will be able to produce 450,000 tons of the “green gold” this year.

Apeajal also aims to continue opening markets such as China, India, South Korea and Chile.

Michoacán remains the national leader in avocado production, contributing over 81% of the country’s total crop.

Despite a 10.5% decrease in January-March production this year compared to the first quarter of 2023, Michoacán still boasted a significant harvest of 480,944 tons during that three-month period. Jalisco reported harvesting 96,370 tonnes in that same quarter.

An ad for Jalisco avocados — Jalisco, which started exporting avocados to the U.S. just two years ago, saw a 5% increase in exports this year. (Apeajal/Facebook)

Oceguera said that for the Super Bowl this year on Feb. 11, Jalisco sent over 15,000 tonnes of avocados to the United States, with Michoacán and the state of México supplying the rest of the 138,000 tonnes.

While production is robust, challenges remain. Environmental sustainability and worker rights are ongoing concerns within the industry. Michoacán is said to be striving for fair treatment for its estimated 75,000 agricultural workers, and it is also seeking to implement sustainable practices, although hotter, drier climate conditions have led to a lack of water in many growing areas.

With reports from Milenio, La Voz de Michoacán and El Financiero

Chinese company ZC Rubber to invest nearly US $600M in Coahuila

By

MND Staff

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May 3, 2024

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Coahuila Gov. Jiménez celebrates the planned investment in his state with ZC Rubber. — Coahuila Gov. Jiménez celebrates the planned investment in his state with Jinrong Shen, president of ZC Rubber. (Manolo Jiménez Salinas/X)

Coahuila Gov. Manolo Jiménez’s official trip to China has paid dividends as the Asian nation’s leading tire-maker plans to invest US $590 million in the northern state, Jiménez announced this week.

It will be the second Chinese tire company to invest in Coahuila this year, following Yokohama Rubber which started construction on a factory last month.

Jiménez, back in Coahuila on Friday after his nine-day visit to China that included a visit to the 2024 Beijing Auto Show, told reporters five additional Chinese companies were prepared to invest an additional US $300 million in the state.

The newspaper Zocalo reported that the unnamed investors included several companies in the autoparts industry, a lithium battery recycling entity, as well as an aerospace parts and household appliance manufacturer.

The governor issued a statement on April 30 from Shanghai announcing the new ZC Rubber investment:

“Along with our team at Pro Coahuila and the president of ZC Rubber, we can formally announce the news that this great Asian company will invest 10.95 billion pesos in Coahuila which will serve to generate thousands of jobs.”

Two workers carry a car tire — Internal documents show the firm may use the promised funds to build a new tire factory in Saltillo. (ZC Rubber/Facebook)

Pro Coahuila is the state government’s new Office of Economic and Tourism Promotion, established by Jiménez just over two months after he took office on Dec. 1, 2023.

The governor offered no details about ZC Rubber’s investment — i.e., the eventual location of the factory — but did say talks with the president of the Chinese tire-maker, Jin Rong Shen, and company vice president Hao Yu Shen were begun during his September tour of China while governor-elect.

The website Cluster Industrial published details of an internal ZC Rubber document dated Feb. 9, that indicated the tire-maker hopes to build its plant in Saltillo, the state capital, just 250 kilometers (155 miles) from the U.S. border. The facility — potentially up to 600,000 square meters — would feature a warehouse with plans to develop local distribution networks and optimize profitability.

“Our plan to open a tire factory in Mexico demonstrates our commitment to satisfy the growing demand for high-quality tires in the region,” Hao Yu Shen said, according to Cluster Industrial, which also reported that ZC Rubber hopes to finish the first stage of construction in 12 months.

In addition to speaking to automakers and investors at the Beijing Auto Show, Jiménez met with investors at Mexico’s Embassy in the Chinese capital while also meeting with executives in Shanghai and Changzhou.

El Economista reported that during that September 2023 tour, Gov.-elect Jiménez spoke at a conference in Shanghai entitled “Invest in Mexico, Invest in Coahuila.”

With reports from Cluster Industrial, Mexico Industry, Zocalo and Vanguardia MX

Scorching temperatures in the forecast thanks to Mexico’s second heat wave of the year

By

MND Staff

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May 3, 2024

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The sun shines above a woman holding a fan — Temperatures above 45 C are forecast for Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz. (Edgar Negrete Lira/Cuartoscuro)

If you’ve recently felt hotter than usual, it’s not your imagination: Mexico is entering its second heat wave of the season. With temperatures expected to exceed 45 degrees Celsius in at least six states, the National Meteorological Service (SMN) has urged residents to stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.

The highest temperatures are expected for Chiapas, Guerrero, Michoacán, Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz, which will see the thermometer surpass 45 degrees Celsius.

Campeche, Colima, Jalisco, Morelos, San Luis Potosí, Tamaulipas and Yucatan will reach 40 C. The rest of the country is expected to see temperatures between 35 to 40 C, except for Tlaxcala and Mexico City, where the temperature will oscillate between 30 and 35 C.

In contrast, minimum temperatures ranging from -5 to 5 C are expected in the mountainous areas of Chihuahua, Durango, Baja California, México state, Sonora and Zacatecas.

Amid the hot weather, some lucky states will see rainfall.

Coahuila, Nuevo León and Tamaulipas are expected to see heavy rainfall, along with Oaxaca, Puebla, Tlaxcala and Veracruz. Scattered showers are forecast for Chiapas and Hidalgo, with isolated rains expected in Mexico City, México state, Querétaro, Quintana Roo and San Luis Potosí.

Durango-Mazatlán Highway — While most of the country is heating up, temperatures could fall to -5 C in some mountainous areas including in Durango, pictured. (Gobierno de México)

Heavy rainfall could be accompanied by thunderstorms and hail, potentially leading to flooding and landslides, posing risks for low-lying areas in the affected states.

Strong winds and dust devils are also forecast across northern Mexico, as well as in San Luis Potosí, Zacatecas, the Yucatán Peninsula, the Bajío region, Oaxaca, Hidalgo and Jalisco.

Rainfall and strong winds are caused by a dry line situated over Coahuila, in northeast Mexico. This dry line will interact with the subtropical jet stream flow and a low-pressure channel extending over the eastern and southeastern regions of the country.

Hot weather and partly cloudy skies are expected throughout the day for the Valley of México and Mexico City. By the afternoon, haze and isolated rains with thunderstorms and hail are expected for the area.

Mexico’s first official heatwave of the season lashed over the country last month. On April 14, Mexico City recorded a temperature of 32.9 degrees Celsius, the hottest temperature in the area in recorded history.

Mexico News Daily

3 bodies found in Baja California near last known whereabouts of 3 missing surfers

By

MND Staff

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May 3, 2024

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A burned white pickup truck — A white pickup truck similar to that of the three travelers was found burned at a ranch near Santo Tómas, Baja California. (X)

Authorities have reportedly found three bodies in Ensenada, the Baja California municipality where two Australian brothers and a United States citizen went missing last weekend.

Brothers Jake and Callum Robinson and their American friend, Jack Carter Rhoad, all aged in their early 30s, disappeared after a short camping and surfing trip to Punta San José, a beach south of Ensenada.

The newspaper El Universal reported Friday that “three bodies with characteristics that correspond to the missing young men” were found on a cliff in the delegación (district) of Maneadero, located about 20 kilometers south of the city of Ensenada.

A local government official in Ensenada gave a similar account to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, saying that the bodies were found near a cliff in the municipality.

Citing two sources with knowledge of the investigation, Reuters also reported that three bodies had been found in Baja California, although it didn’t mention a specific location.

There were also reports that the bodies were located in Santo Tómas, where the three men were last seen.

Missing persons poster with pictures of three men — Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their U.S. friend Jack Carter Rhoad were reported missing Wednesday.(Internet)

El Universal said that the Baja California Attorney General’s Office (FGE) requested the assistance of firefighters to recover the three bodies, which it said were located in “an area of difficult access.”

The newspaper said that it received “unofficial” information on the discovery of the bodies from FGE employees and “local authorities.”

As of 2 p.m. Mexico City time on Friday, authorities had not made any public remarks on the discovery of bodies in Baja California. Reuters said that the FGE didn’t immediately respond to its request for updated information.

Three people — two men and a woman who was allegedly in possession of the phone of one of the three tourists — have been detained in connection with the case.

The FGE said in a statement on Thursday that “three people of Mexican nationality” were being investigated “in order to obtain information allowing the missing persons to be located.”

Authorities located tents in the area where the Robinson brothers and Carter Rhoad had been camping, and also found a white pickup truck, which matched the description of the vehicle in which the three men traveled to Baja California from the United States.

Blood and “dental parts” were reportedly found in one of the tents. The vehicle was found burned out on a ranch in Santo Tómas.

The mother of the Australian brothers said they had booked accomodations in Rosarito, Baja California, but never showed up. — The mother of the Australian brothers said they had booked accommodations in Rosarito, Baja California, this week but never showed up. (Meg von Haartman/Unsplash)

In a statement on Thursday, Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar emphasized her commitment to solving the case and locating the three men.

“We will not rest until we know the whereabouts of Jack Carter and Jake and Callum Robinson, a task in which we will spare no time, resources or efforts,” she said.

“… We will take the necessary measures to solve this case because we will not allow the peace of Baja California to be disturbed, nor the tranquility of those who visit us,” the governor added.

Earlier this week, the mother of the Australian brothers published a post in the Facebook group Talk Baja to seek assistance to locate her sons.

“They have not contacted us since Saturday 27th April. They are traveling with another friend, an American citizen,” Debra Robinson wrote.

“They were due to book into an Airbnb in Rosarito after their camping weekend, but they did not show up. Callum is a Type 1 diabetic, so there is also a medical concern. Please contact me if you have seen them or know their whereabouts,” she said.

With reports from Reuters and El Universal

Mexico City International Airport announces multi-million dollar upgrades

By

MND Staff

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May 3, 2024

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AICM terminal 1 — AICM will soon get spruced up thanks to a major investment in maintenance and modernization, its director announced this week. (File photo)

The Mexico City International Airport (AICM) is getting a facelift: Its director announced Thursday that “maintenance, conservation and modernization” projects totaling 2.2 billion pesos (US $129.4 million) are planned for this year.

Rear Admiral José Ramón Rivera Parga told President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s morning press conference that some of the projects have already begun, but most will be carried out after the completion of their respective tendering process.

The airport chief gave a rundown on how the 2.2 billion pesos will be spent.

558.6 million pesos will be used to purchase 18 X-ray machines and 10 CT scanners to inspect luggage, as well as 17 X-ray machines and 12 “explosive detectors” that will be installed at passenger revision points.
547.1 million pesos will go to runway projects, including the laying of new asphalt and the modernization of lighting systems.
488.9 million pesos will be allocated to a range of maintenance projects inside and outside AICM’s two terminals. They include the repair of leaks, the filling of potholes on taxiways, and maintenance of baggage carousels.
331.9 million pesos will go to the rehabilitation of the airport’s main taxiway known as the Rodaje Bravo. “It’s the most important [taxiway] … for airplanes that operate at Terminal 1 because it is located along the entire length of the terminal,” Rivera said.
The remaining money — approximately 300 million pesos — will be used for a range of different projects including maintenance of drainage systems; upgrades to public bathrooms in both terminals; the replacement of 12 elevators; and the installation of new air conditioning systems.

Rivera said that 1.49 billion pesos for the projects will come from the federal budget, while the other 705.7 million pesos to be used are the the airport’s “own resources.”

Just over 48.4 million passengers used AICM last year, making the capital’s airport the busiest in the country. Numbers increased 4.7% compared to 2022.

AICM Director Rivera announced the funds at the president's Thursday morning press conference — AICM Director Rivera announced the funds at the president’s Thursday morning press conference. (LopezObrador.org.mx)

In early 2022, the Federal Civil Aviation Agency declared that both terminals at the Mexico City International Airport (AICM) had reached saturation point, while in January hourly flight numbers were reduced to 43 from 52.

The Felipe Ángeles International Airport (AIFA), which opened just north of Mexico City in March 2022, is supposed to ease pressure on AICM, but passenger numbers there remain fairly low, although they increased significantly in the first months of 2024.

Getting to AIFA is time-consuming for many Mexico City residents, especially those who live in the south of the capital, and the planned rail link to the airport from the Buenavista neighborhood of the capital has not yet opened.

Adding to the airport’s challenges in attracting passengers is the fact that it currently only offers a very limited number of international flights.

Mexico News Daily